The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), the state’s leading association dedicated to the promotion and economic advancement of Georgia’s technology industry, today announced that the Georgia Southern University Molecular Biology Initiative has been named as a Finalist in the Post-Secondary Outreach category for the 2014 STEM Education Awards. 

The Technology Association of Georgia’s 3^rd STEM Education Awards recognizes schools, programs, and companies for outstanding efforts and achievements in supporting and promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Education in Georgia.

The Molecular Biology Initiative (MBI) partners with regional teachers to bring hands-on, relevant science to students (biotechnology, chemistry, physics, biology, forensics), including applicable technology and math skills.  “This program represents a true partnership between university and school expertise, resulting in high-impact, sustainable outcomes for STEM education and student learning,” said Dr. Laura Regassa, MBI Director.

“It is exciting to see the progress we are making with STEM education in Georgia. The increase in nominations each year and the quality of the nominations made it difficult for our judges,” said Michael Robertson, Executive Director of TAG Education Collaborative. “Congratulations to the Finalists!  Your work engaging these students in STEM will benefit the students you touch for years to come with challenging and exciting careers.”

This year’s Finalists were chosen in 8 different categories: Elementary School, Middle School High school, Post Secondary Outreach, Extracurricular Program, STEM Certified School Outreach, Corporate Outreach and Best STEM Day Activity.

Winners in each category will be officially honored at The 3^rd Annual STEM Education Awards event held on September 26^th at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center in Savannah, Georgia.  The event is presented by TAG, the TAG Education Collaborative (TAG-Ed), a non-profit 501c3 dedicated to advancing STEM education in Georgia, and TAG Savannah.

 “STEM occupations will increase in Georgia by more than 22,000 during the current decade,” said Tino Mantella, president & CEO of TAG. “The finalists of this year’s STEM Education Awards are helping to prepare the tech-ready workforce needed to fill these jobs and we applaud them for standing out as leaders in Georgia’s educational community.”

For more information about TAG and the 3^rd Annual STEM Education Awards or to attend the event, visit http://bit.ly/STEMinfo2014